Your Rights as a Tenant: What Agents and Landlords Must Provide

Know where you stand and what you’re entitled to

Renting a property should be simple, safe, and fair. But not all tenants are aware of their legal rights — and unfortunately, some landlords and agents don’t meet their responsibilities.

Whether you’re new to renting or just want peace of mind, here’s what every tenant in England is entitled to — and what your letting agent or landlord must provide by law.

1. A Safe, Habitable Property

Your landlord is legally required to provide a home that is:

• Structurally sound and free from serious hazards
• Equipped with safe gas and electrical systems
• Free from damp and mould
• Equipped with working smoke alarms on each floor (and carbon monoxide alarms where required)
• This falls under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 — and it’s non-negotiable.

2. A Written Tenancy Agreement

Your agent or landlord must provide a clear tenancy agreement before you move in. This should outline:

• Your rent amount and payment schedule
• The length of your tenancy
• Rules about notice periods, pets, bills, and maintenance
• Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant
• Always read the agreement carefully — and ask questions before signing.

3. Deposit Protection

If you pay a tenancy deposit, your landlord must protect it in a government-approved scheme within 30 days. These are:

• DPS (Deposit Protection Service)
• TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme)
• MyDeposits
• You must also receive a Prescribed Information form confirming where and how your deposit is protected.

If they fail to do this, they may be fined — and it can impact their ability to evict you.

4. The ‘How to Rent’ Guide

Your landlord or agent must give you the latest version of the government’s How to Rent guide at the start of your tenancy (available at gov.uk).

This guide outlines your rights and responsibilities, and it’s required to make certain eviction notices legally valid.

5. Proof of Safety Compliance

You’re entitled to see proof that the property meets key safety standards:

• Gas Safety Certificate (renewed annually)
• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — updated every 5 years
• EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) — rated E or above for rental properties
• All of these should be given to you before you move in — or immediately upon request.

6. Prompt Repairs

Your landlord must respond to maintenance issues within a reasonable timeframe:

• Emergency repairs (e.g. no heating or hot water) should be handled within 24–48 hours
• Less urgent issues should be resolved within 14 days or sooner
• Agents are responsible for coordinating this on behalf of landlords. You don’t have to live with broken boilers or leaking ceilings.

7. Quiet Enjoyment

You have a legal right to live peacefully in your home without unreasonable interference. That means:

• No unannounced visits
• At least 24 hours’ notice before inspections or repairs
• No harassment, pressure, or threats
• If your landlord or agent breaches this, they may be acting illegally.

8. Fair Notice Before Rent Increases

For rolling or periodic tenancies, landlords must give at least one month’s written notice before increasing rent. Any increase must be fair and reflect the market rate.

If you have a fixed-term contract, rent usually can’t be increased until it ends — unless your agreement says otherwise.

What to Do If Your Rights Are Ignored

If your landlord or letting agent is ignoring their responsibilities:

• Raise the issue in writing (email is best)
• Give them reasonable time to respond
• Keep records of all communications and issues
• Contact your local council’s Private Rented Sector team if things don’t improve
• Seek legal advice or support from Shelter or Citizens Advice
• You can also report agents to The Property Ombudsman, Propertymark, or Trading Standards, depending on their membership.

How Sagoos Does It Differently

We believe renting should be safe, respectful, and transparent. That’s why all our properties:

• Are kept in excellent condition
• Meet and exceed legal safety standards
• Are professionally cleaned before move-in
• Come with full documentation and protected deposits
• Are managed by landlords who genuinely care

Renting in Cambridge?

Choose a letting agent who takes your rights seriously. At Sagoos, we do things properly — because tenants deserve better.